Article storing and dispensing module

ABSTRACT

An article storing and dispensing module having an arcuate body portion and including a plurality of adjustable, vertically spaced, inwardly and downwardly inclined shelves with the upper shelves progressively extending further inwardly than the intermediate shelves to facilitate access thereto. A plurality of arcuate sections combined together form a generally circular body portion defining an interior central work area and having shelving, counters, and at least one dispensing window. Doors opening on the outside of the body portion permit the shelves to be easily filled. A canopy extends out from the top of the body portion above the dispensing window and has wall means extending downwardly therefrom to form a dispensing booth in front of the window.

United States Patent [191 Swensson [11] 3,834,777 Sept. 10, 1974 ARTICLE STORING AND DISPENSING [73] Assignee: The University of Mississippi,

University, Miss.

22 Filed: Dec.6, 1971 21 Appl. No.: 205,192

[52] US. Cl. 312/209, 52/36 [51] Int. CL... A47b 81/00, A6lb 19/02, A47b 5/00 [58] Field of Search 312/209, 45; 52/27, 34, 52/35, 37, 64, 173

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,758,000 8/1956 Berry et a1. 312/278 X 2,867,853 l/1959 Lindgren..... 52/36 2,966,387 12/1960 Mills 312/278 3,043,474 7/1962 Mullin 221/295 3,242,334 3/1966 Hansen... 52/36 X 3,437,390 4/1969 Evans 312/237 3,462,855 8/1969 Cornish... 312/201 3,498,011 3/1970 Lindgren.... 52/36 X 3,596,297 8/1971 James 312/237 3,623,283 11/1971 Abromavage et al 52/173 3,694,933 10/1972 Busch 52/36 R24,723 10/1959 Cromwell 52/173 X Primary Examiner-Paul R. Gilliam Attorney, Agent, or FirmWilliam D. Stokes [5 7] ABSTRACT An article storing and dispensing module having an arcuate body portion and including a plurality of adjustable, vertically spaced, inwardly and downwardly inclined shelves with the upper shelves progressively extending further inwardly than the intermediate shelves to facilitate access thereto. A plurality of arcuate sections combined together form a generally circular body portion defining an interior central work area and having shelving, counters, and at least one dispensing window. Doors opening on the outside of the body portion permit the shelves to be easily filled. A canopy extends out from the top of the body portion above the dispensing window and has wall means extending downwardly therefrom to form a dispensing booth in front of the window.

4 Claims, 22 Drawing Figures PAIENIEBSEPI 0 mm sum 1 or a FIG. I

.FIG.2

PAIENIED SEPI 0mm SHEET 2 [IF 8 mmo SEPI 01914 SHEET 3 0 8 HHHHHHH PAIENIE SEP 1 01924 SHEU 5 OF 8 FIG.1O

PATENTEDSEP 1 01974 3.984.777

ARTICLE STORING AND DISPENSING MODULE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to an article storing and dispensing module or unit and more particularly to such a unit which is generally circular or arcuate in configuration and suitable for use in dispensing pharmaceuticals within a medical facility such as a hospital.

2. Description of the Prior Art Numerous types of cabinet and storage units have been available in the past for dispensing and/or storing articles. Many such prior art devices, however, have been unsatisfactory in that they have not been specifically designed to form a separate module from which such articles can be efficiently stored and dispensed with a minimum of effort by an operator while still providing a pleasant working environment for the operator. Other such prior art dispensing and/or storing devices have been relatively complicated and cumbersome in construction, thus requiring an extensive amount of operating space.

Specifically, many prior art pharmaceutical dispensing facilities have not provided a satisfactory dispensing and storing unit for distributing drugs while emphasizing quality of service and providing a pleasant atmosphere for both the pharmacist or other operator and the patient or person receiving the drugs. Other such prior art pharmaceutical dispensing facilities further have often lacked sufficient capability for accommodating the necessary equipment such as sinks, refrigerators, narcotic cabinets, telephones, files. and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Among the objects of the present invention is to avoid the disadvantages of prior art article storing and dispensing modules enumerated above. Another object of the present invention is to provide an article storing and dispensing module which is generally circular or arcuate in configuration, thus providing an extremely compact, relatively inexpensive and efficient module for dispensing such articles. Still another object is to provide an article storing and dispensing module pro vided with shelves which slant downwardly and in wardly whereby articles to be dispensed are continually gravity fed into an easily accessible position. A further object of the invention is to provide such a module wherein the shelves at the top of the module extend progressively farther inwardly than the shelves intermediate thereof, to facilitate access thereto. An additional object of the invention is to provide an article storing and dispensing unit having conveniently located dispensing windows with consultation booths positioned in front of the windows. Still another object of the invention is to provide an article storing and dispensing module which may be constructed within an existing building and which may be fully secured to safeguard the contents within the module.

According to the present invention, there is provided an article storing and dispensing module having a generally arcuate body portion provided with a plurality of adjustable vertically spaced shelves. These shelves are mounted to slant inwardly and downwardly to gravity feed articles to be dispensed towards the inside for access by an operator. The shelves adjacent the top of the body portion extend progressively farther inwardly than the shelves intermediate the body portion to facilitate access thereto.

In one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of arcuate sections are combined to form a generally circular body portion defining an interior central work area. lnwardly and downwardly slanted shelves in the sections are readily accessible from the interior. These sections further include work counters and space for installing necessary equipment such as a refrigerator, files, a narcotics cabinet, a typewriter, waste disposal unit and a sink unit. The central work area is covered by a top panel which includes connections for utilities such as lighting, heating. ventilating and other electrical connections. One or more dispensing openings or windows are provided in the body portion. A canopy extends out from the top of the body portion above the dispensing windows and includes wall connections extending downwardly therefrom to form a dispensing or consultation booth in front of each window. A control or cashiers booth may be positioned in front of the body portion under the canopy between two dispensing windows. A shelved partition also may be installed in the interior work area between two dispensing windows to define separate work areas adjacent each window.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent by reference to the more detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings which follow, wherein FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a module according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the module shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an interior panoramic view illustrating the various arcuate sections of the module shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged interior elevational view of an arcuate module or unit according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7--7 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an interior elevational view of another dispensing unit according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an interior elevational view of another dispensing unit according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a left side elevational view of the unit of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a right side elevational view of the unit of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view along line l313 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view showing a partition positioned between two arcuate sections of a dispensing module;

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of the partition structure shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the partition structure shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of two arcuate units according to the present invention positioned in line immediately adjacent each other and having a panel in between to form a continuous front wall;

FIG. 18 is a partial top plan view of a module according to the present invention illustrating a control or cashiers booth positioned between two dispensing windows;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged top plan view of the control booth shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a sectional view taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken along line 2l21 of FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a sectional view taken along line 2222 of FIG. 19.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIGS. l3 of the drawings, there is shown an article storing and dispensing module or unit, generally indicated by the numeral 10, comprised of a generally circular body portion 11 constructed of a plurality of generally curved or arcuate-shaped Sections A, B and C. Circular body portion 11 defines an interior central work area 12 having an entrance 13 on one side and a pair of dispensing windows 14 for dispensing articles from the central work area. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the dispensing windows 14 are located in each Section A of the circular body portion.

The top of the circular body portion 11 is covered by a ceiling panel 15 which contains utility connections therein such as lighting and other electrical connections, heating, ventilating, and exhaust fans. The circular body portion 11 is supported by a suitable base portion 16, also preferably of circular configuration.

Extending out from the top of the body portion 11 is a canopy of generally arcuate configuration, as best shown in FIG. 2. Canopy 20 extends outwardly over the dispensing windows 14 and includes wall means 21 extending downwardly and dependent therefrom on either end. As shown in FIG. 1, the wall means 21 preferably extend down along the outer side and in front of each dispensing window 14 to form a dispensing or consultation booth 22 in front of each of the windows. Each wall means 21 further may be provided with windows 23 to permit visual observation into and out of the booth 22. As shown in FIG. 1, the wall means 21 preferably are spaced at the bottom from the surface upon which the module rests. The outer edge 24 of each consultation booth 22 preferably is of a generally curved configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, to provide a pleasing and aesthetic appearing design.

It is to be noted that the dispensing or consultation booths 22 in front of each dispensing window 14 of adjacent Sections A of the module provide an area for private consultation between an operator such as a pharmacist working in the central work area 12 and a patient or customer standing in front of the dispensing window. It is further apparent that the module 10 is self-sustaining in construction such that it is adapted for use within a previously existing structure such as a hospital or other medical facility. Once the module has been set up, the utilities only need to be connected to render the module operable. During construction, of course, each of the Sections A, B and C may be secured together by any suitable means such as clamps or nut and bolt connections. The circular interior central work area further provides a compact. efficient. and convenient work space for dispensing of articles from interior shelves to be described more fully hereinafter. Moreover, if desired, the entrance 13 t0 the central work area 12 may be locked against unauthorized entry by means of any suitable sliding or folding enclosure which may extend down from the ceiling panel 15 or fold out from the walls of the units on either side of the entrance.

Each ofthe Sections A, B and C shown in the interior panoramic view of FIG. 3 and in FIGS. 413 contain various of the elements such as telephones, waste disposal, shelving, counters, refrigerator, sink and locked storage areas necessary in an article storing and dispensing unit. Each of these sections will be described in detail hereinafter.

Referring to FIGS. 47, each Section A of the module 10 of the present invention is comprised of a generally arcuate or curved body portion 30 having a generally arcuate outer front wall 31 and a pair of spaced upstanding end walls 32. Each Section A is provided with an arcuate counter 33 at a point intermediate of the height of the section. The counter 33 is constructed to extend through and form the bottom of dispensing window l4. Dispensing window 14 preferably is located in approximately the center of the section so that a pharmacist or other operator standing in front of the window dealing with a patient or customer has ready access to all other parts of the section.

The counter 33 is provided on one side of dispensing window 14 with an opening 34 which leads to a waste receptacle 35 secured under the counter as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The portion of Section A underneath the counter 33 on each side of dispensing opening 14 is filled with suitable vertically adjustable horizontal shelves 36. A drawer or receptacle 37 capable of being securely locked also may be provided under the counter on one side of the dispensing window for safe keeping of items such as narcotics. In addition, a telephone 38 is provided just above counter 33 on one side of dispensing unit 14 as shown in FIG. 14 for convenient access by an operator within the module.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7, the space at the counter 33 on each side of dispensing window 14 is filled with shelves 39 which are inclined downwardly and inwardly from the outer wall 31 of the section. Each shelf is provided with a lip 40 on its inner end to prohibit articles from sliding off the shelf. By inclining each shelf 39, articles may be gravity fed to the innermost end of each shelf for easy access by an operator working within the section. It is further to be noted that the upper shelves 39 extend progressively farther inwardly than the lower or intermediate shelves such that the ends of the shelf form an arcuate profile as illustrated in FIG. 7. This particular design is extremely advantageous in that it permits an operator standing in front of the shelves to have ready accessibility to the upper shelves as well as to the lower or intermediate shelves. The'arcuate profile of the ends of the shelving conform to the arcuate path of the arm of an individual as it is moved upwardly.

Each of these shelves 39 is mounted in Section A by suitable means such that the shelves are adjustable to vary the vertical spacing between the shelves as well as the angle of inclination thereof. If desired, the front wall 31 in front of each group of shelves 39 may be provided with an outward opening door in the manner illustrated by the arrows of Section C in FIG. 9 to permit the shelves 39 to be easily stocked with articles as well as to permit the easy insertion and adjustment of the shelves in originally constructing the unit.

As shown in FIG. 6, a light fixture 42 may be mounted in Section A just above dispensing opening 14. A suitable closing means such as roll up door 43 may be provided for closing and locking the dispensing window 14 against access from the outside. For this purpose, suitable locking means 44 are provided at the bottom on both sides of dispensing window 14. If de sired, dispensing window 14 also may be partially enclosed by a transparent member such as a plexiglass window 45 shown in dotted lines in FIG. 6.

Section B of the module of the present invention is illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 8 and 9. As shown therein, each Section B is comprised of a body portion 50 of generally arcuate configuration having a generally arcuate outer front wall 51 and a pair of spaced upstanding end walls 52. Preferably, the entire interior of Section B is filled with inclined shelves 53 which are adjustably supported by suitable mounting means so that the vertical spacing between the shelves as well as the angle of inclination of each shelf may be adjusted. The shelves 53, as shown in FIG. 8, are inclined downwardly and inwardly to facilitate gravitational movement of articles on the shelves towards the interior for ready accessibility by an operator. Moreover, both the upper and lower shelves of Section B extend progressively farther inwardly than the middle or intermediate shelves to provide easier accessibility to the upper and lower shelves, since the arcuate profile thus created conforms with the arcuate path followed by the arm of an operator on the inside of the section. The shelves 53 preferably are divided into at least two halves 54 and 55, as shown in FIG. 8. If desired, outwardly opening doors 56 may be provided in the outer front wall 51 of Section B. The doors open in the direction of the arrows shown in FIG. 9 to permit the shelves to be easily stocked from the outside as well as to facilitate ease of construction and adjustment of the shelves. While it is preferred that the shelves be slanted downwardly and inwardly, it will be understood that some or all of the shelves in any of the sections may be made horizontal.

Illustrated in FIGS. l013 is Section C of the module according to the present invention. This section is comprised of a generally arcuate outer front wall 61 and a pair of spaced upstanding end walls 62. Body portion 60 is provided with a horizontal counter 63 intermediate its height and at the same level as counter 33 of Section A. A sink 64 and water supply faucet 65 are mounted in the counter toward outer wall 61, as shown in FIG. 13.

Mounted above counter 63 and sink 64 are a plurality of vertically spaced shelves 66 inclined downwardly and inwardly as best shown in FIG. 12. These shelves are adjustably mounted by suitable supporting means in order that the vertical spacing, as well'as the angle of inclination, may be varied. The upper shelves extend progressively farther inwardly than the intermediate shelves to permit easy access thereto. Situated below counter 63 is a refrigeration unit 67 having suitable compressor means 68 associated therewith.

One end of the Section C additionally may be provided with a full length closet 69, closed by outwardly opening doors 70. Also a full length open compartment 71 may be provided on the same end of Section C located adjacent to the closet 70, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13. If Section C is incorporated in a module in the position shown in FIG. 2, the open compartment 71 can be utilized to store a folding door which, when unfolded, would close and lock entrance 13 to the interior of module 10.

As previously stated, the above-described Sections A, B and C may be incorporated into a single module 10, as shown in FIG. 2, whereby two A sections are positioned adjacent each other with one of the A sections having a C section on its other end and the other of the A sections having a B section at: its other end. Thus these sections, when combined with ceiling panel 12, base section 16 and canopy 20, form an easily constructed selfcontained module which may be installed within another building. The unit thus described forms a very compact and self-sufficient dispensing module which may be constructed with a minimum of effort. Such a module not only provides a space sufficient to accommodate two or more people working on the inside with a considerable degree of comfort and convenience, but also provides a private consultation booth on the outside of the module for the convenience of customers or patients while an order is being filled.

Moreover, the counters 33 and 63 in Section A provide sufficient space for holding one or more typewriters, as well as appropriate files and records. This is par ticularly important when the module is used to dispense pharmaceuticals since it is desirable to have ready access to patient profile records as well as to information on specific drugs and other pharmaceutical supplies.

While the module l0just described in Sections A, B and C forms a complete unit, certain optional features are also contemplated within the scope of the present invention. FIG. 14 discloses a partition adapted to fit inside the module 10 and positioned between two A sections. As shown in FIGS. 14-16, partition 80 is provided with a back extension or fin 81 adapted to fit between the end of the two A sections to secure the partition in place. The partition 80 further includes a counter 82 intermediate its height and at the same elevation as the counter 33 of each A section. Mounted on partition 81 above the counter 82 are a plurality of spaced horizontal shelves 83 on each side of the partition. The partition forms a convenient and easy method of sub-dividing the work area 12 within the module 10 to provide a greater degree of privacy for an operator or pharmacist working in front of each dispensing window 14.

FIGS. 18-22 disclose still another optional feature of the present invention. Illustrated in these figures is a control or cashiers booth adapted to be positioned under canopy 20 between the two dispensing windows 14 of adjacent A sections. Control booth 90 is comprised of a body portion 91 having a front wall 92 and two opposite side walls 93 and 94. The front of the body portion 91 is further provided with a pair of side wall extensions 95 which flare outwardly and are covered on top by a panel 96 to form a small consultation enclosure 97 in front of the control booth 90. The control booth 90 is provided intermediate its height with a counter 98 which extends generally all around the inside of the booth. Suitable additional shelves 99 may be provided under counter 98, as shown in FIG. 20. A compartment 100, capable of being locked and suitable for storing cash or other valuables, is provided at the be provided above each opening 102 to permit communication between a cashier or other operator inside the booth and a customer on the outside.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 19 and 21, it will be seen that side wall 93 is provided with a door 104 extending from the top to the bottom of the side wall to permit access to the booth 90. Counter 98 is hinged at 105 in front of door 104 to permit a portion of the counter to be raised to permit entering or leaving of the booth 90.

It will be observed that by providing windows on the sides as well as in the front of booth 90, convenient means are available for collecting money from the peo p h a siaryissia q n n wi 14 Or for communicating with peopE who come directly to the front of the booth.

While it is desirable to form a module of generally circular configuration as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it is also possible to position two arcuate sections, as as two Sections A shown in FIG. 17, immediately adjacent and in line with each other so that the outer walls form a generally V-shaped pocket or indentation at the meeting corners. With such a configuration of two arcuate sections, it is also within the scope of the invention to fill that V-shaped space with a flat panel 105 to form a continuous front wall.

Although the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood that various modifications may be made by persons skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention which is defined solely by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An article storing and dispensing module having a plurality of interchangeably arranged storing and dispensing sections in a generally arcuate configuration wherein said module comprises a body portion of generally arcuate configuration having a generally arcuate outer front-wall and a pair of spaced end walls, said body portion being composed of a plurality of said sections wherein said outer frontwall of at least one of said sections defines an opening for dispensing articles therefrom and having means for closing said opening, and

a plurality of vertically spaced shelves in at least one of said sections having adjustable means for mounting said shelves at an incline in said section whereby each of said shelves slants from the outside of said section toward the inside thereof, the shelves adjacent the top of said section extending progressively father inwardly than the shelves intermediate said body portion to facilitate access thereto, wherein said outer wall of at least one of said sections includes at least one normally closed door therein for easy access to the outer ends of said shelves where said door is opened to permit said shelves to be filled with articles.

2. An article storing and dispensing module as defined in claim 1 which includes a ceiling panel covering the top of the area defined by said body portion, said ceiling panel containing electrical. heating and cooling connections.

3. An article storing and dispensing module as delined in claim 2 which includes a refrigerator unit and a sink unit mounted in one of said sections.

4. An article storing and dispensing module as defined in claim 3 wherein at least one of said sections has vertically spaced shelves having adjustable means for mounting said shelves in the horizontal plane. 

1. An article storing and dispensing module having a plurality of interchangeably arranged storing and dispensing sections in a generally arcuate configuration wherein said module comprises a body portion of generally arcuate configuration having a generally arcuate outer front-wall and a pair of spaced end walls, said Body portion being composed of a plurality of said sections wherein said outer front-wall of at least one of said sections defines an opening for dispensing articles therefrom and having means for closing said opening, and a plurality of vertically spaced shelves in at least one of said sections having adjustable means for mounting said shelves at an incline in said section whereby each of said shelves slants from the outside of said section toward the inside thereof, the shelves adjacent the top of said section extending progressively father inwardly than the shelves intermediate said body portion to facilitate access thereto, wherein said outer wall of at least one of said sections includes at least one normally closed door therein for easy access to the outer ends of said shelves where said door is opened to permit said shelves to be filled with articles.
 2. An article storing and dispensing module as defined in claim 1 which includes a ceiling panel covering the top of the area defined by said body portion, said ceiling panel containing electrical, heating and cooling connections.
 3. An article storing and dispensing module as defined in claim 2 which includes a refrigerator unit and a sink unit mounted in one of said sections.
 4. An article storing and dispensing module as defined in claim 3 wherein at least one of said sections has vertically spaced shelves having adjustable means for mounting said shelves in the horizontal plane. 